Treasured day of dedicating ourselves to others
NELSON Mandela International Day (or Mandela Day) is an annual international day in honour of Nelson Mandela, celebrated each year on July 18, Mr Mandela’s birthday.
The day was officially declared by the UN in November 2009, with the first Mandela Day held on July 18, 2010.
Mandela Day is not commemorated and celebrated as a public holiday, but instead observed as a day to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela and his values, through volunteering and community service.
The day pays tribute to Mr Mandela’s commitment to the service of others, best expressed by him on May 18, 2002 while speaking at the 90th birthday celebration of Walter Sisulu at Walter Sisulu Hall in Johannesburg.
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
He expressed similar sentiments in his 1994 autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom: “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
Thus, Mandela Day is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world, the ability to make an impact.
The day’s commemoration is in turn entirely based on the message that Nelson Mandela fought for social justice for 67 years, and that all of us are asked to set aside 67 minutes on this day in service to others.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) recognises, celebrates and commemorates the day as Mr Nelson Mandela represents the personification of striving for South Africa to be a constitutional society, based in equality, dignity and freedom for all.
Mr Mandela’s defence statement in 1964 at the Rivonia Trial emphatically expressed his lifelong commitment for a constitutional and democratic South Africa.
“I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination.
“I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons will live together in harmony with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for, and to see realised. “But my Lord, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
Today, as we celebrate what would have been Mr Mandela’s 100th birthday, gives all South Africans and all people across the world an opportunity to look at the challenges we face – particularly shortcomings in the realisation of human rights – to work in each other’s service in bringing about true freedom, equality and dignity.
Mr Mandela reminded us all that “it always seems impossible until it’s done”.
The SAHRC will commemorate Nelson Mandela’s legacy of human rights through a range of activities across all nine provincial offices and at its head office in Johannesburg.